Small Fry Review

Immediately familiar to fans of Tiny Wings, Small Fry isn't overly original but it's still a quite enjoyable and charming title.

Taking control of Finley "Small Fry" Fryer, players need to keep him swimming through the ocean for as long as possible. This is done through controlling his trajectory, much like in Tiny Wings. Holding a finger to the screen causes the cute fish to dive lower, while releasing causes him to spring back up. A balancing act of the two ensures that the creature keeps his momentum steady, progressing further and further.

Obstacles come in the form of other fish, with being knocked by one causing Finley to slow down for a moment. This is pretty bad news when the most significant obstacle - a fearsome shark - is sneaking up behind our tiny hero. Keeping the momentum going is vital to avoid being eaten up, but it also enables players to eventually bounce through the sky and even through space, thanks to a series of air bubbles that help Finley go skywards.

Further reasons to keep playing stem from a challenge system, offering various small objectives as well as coins that can be used for upgrades. These upgrades typically relate to power-ups that can be gained, such as a coin magnet or shield, as well as more frivolous bonuses such as being able to dress Finley in new hats and glasses. Small features such as keeping track of one's average score, as well as one's high score, are a nice touch for enhancing enjoyment.

Small Fry isn't anything new but that doesn't stop it from being an entertaining game. While a touch of lag in certain places stops it being as seamless as Tiny Wings and some obtrusive ads can infuriate, it's a pleasant enough change for those who have gotten everything possible from the classic title.